Welcome reader to my blog - a mixture of this and that. Now that we are living in a retirement community in downtown Columbia, MD my personal gardening activities are somewhat curtailed. I still enjoy visiting gardens, reading, watching wildlife on my walks, traveling, and occasional food commentary. Please leave a comment if you feel inspired to do so. I read every one of them.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Ukrainian Eggs or Pysanky

I promised several internet friends I would post photos of the eggs I have been decorating, called pysanka. My daughter, Emily (Greens and Jeans) introduced me to them last Easter time. This year I purchased my own supplies from the Ukrainian Gift Shop and have had some fun.

Above and below are the six I've made so far. I did have a seventh but when I pumped out the innards the side of the shell gave way. It must have had a crack I didn't see.

Closeups of some of this year's below.

Here's a bowl of the new ones, last year's and some other decorated eggs.

Three of last year's. The two on the left were done by daughter, Sarah.

If you've never tried these, it is quite a lot of fun. What you do is paint with wax using tiny tools that you heat and collect the wax in. Wherever the wax is will stay the color you have waxed over. So where you see white was the first coating of wax. You then place it in the color to dye and then wax over whatever you want to be that color. You continue progressing from lightest colors to darkest colors. Once everything is done you place it in a candle flame and melt the wax off. It's amazing to see your design appear. The final step is to pump out the egg so you are just left with the shell. Even with shaky hands like mine you can make some neat designs!

I've seen these eggs before, because hubby was asked to make a showcase for them. So beautiful, and I can imagine very rewarding, once it's done! So if I get the itch, I'll just print out your instructions! Thanks for sharing:):)

I am pleased to have found your fine contribution through the self-designed Easter eggs.

Greetings from Germany and the capital of Easter eggs. BAUTZEN is named of the capital of Easter eggs. A national minority, the Sorbs living in this area. The design of the Easter egg is becoming to a great profession.

You can see some samples of it in my blog. Have fun at the visit and during the walk. But be careful, eggs are fragile.;-)